Himalaya, Michael Palin
Himalaya: Michael Palin, Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated, September 27, 2004. ISBN:0297843710
Himalaya by Michael Palin is the record of an arduous and extraordinary journey to one of the world's remotest regions.
Some of the most visually stunning but dangerous regions in the world are close to, or surrounded by, the Himalaya mountain range. In this book, our intrepid explorer has compiled the notes from his diaries, and records the pleasure and pain of his epic expedition.
The himalaya mountain pictures by Basil Pao, an inspired photographer, capture the sensational beauty of the rugged scenery. He was also the main photographer on the Sahara, Full Circle and Pole to Pole expeditions.
Michael Palin describes this trip as "adventure of the highest
order", and reveals his serious side as he encounters and describes people
living in the harshest conditions imaginable. He also meets many of the
local VIPs, including the Dalai Lama, and handles them with the diplomacy and
ease of manner for which he is famous. He also shows great patience with the
on-tour Michael Palin fan club, who request "the lumberjack song" or
"dead parrot sketch" at the drop of a hat.
But Michael Palin is one of the leading comic figures of our time, so the
seriousness is often leavened with his light hearted, and sometimes zany,
humour. His exploits with the Monty Python team, and subsequent films such as A FISH CALLED WANDA, are the stuff of legend.
But it is as the adventurous traveller recorded for prime time major television series that he has acquired
his latest vast and loyal following. They
will not be disappointed by Himalaya - Michael Palin's most difficult journey
yet.
The book is full of facts about the Himalaya mountain range that were not
covered in the TV series. From Himalayan terraced agriculture to
the geography of the highest peaks, Michael Palin tells us everything we
might want to know about the highest region on Earth.
He also covers the art of the Himalayas in some detail, including some very unusual Himalayan metal masks, tapestry, painting and music. And he does not miss out on the medical facilities on offer! As usual, his health suffers on the trip and he explores the subtle magic of himalaya herbal health care rather than resorting to Western drugs.
The book is full of beautiful pictures and graphics, including photographs, maps and antique prints. Michael Palin introduces: maps of the Himalayan mountains in Nepal and India; Flora and fauna from the Himalayan dandelion to Himalayan kittens; the ecology of the Himalayas
- Himalaya by Michael Palin is a superb ripping yarn and travel guide combined. It's a must buy for anyone wanting to trek the Himalayas (in reality, or in imagination). From India to Nepal, from Tibet to Bhutan, our intrepid explorer does not miss a trick. Don't miss this chance to go with Michael Palin around the world to trek amongst the highest peaks.
The highlight of the TV series and book is Michael Palin's meeting with the Dalai Lama. This may inspire you to seek out his teachings, of which there many to choose from in the bookstores! Can any spiritual leader have been as prolific? I would recommend Destructive Emotions by The Dalai Lama & Daniel Goleman as a good book to begin for the Western reader. But there are many other good choices.
